3 Nail Polish DIYs Worth Trying

My very first job in magazines was at Allure, and within a few weeks of starting, I found that nail polish bottles outnumbered paper clips in my desk drawer 20 to 1. I very quickly discovered that being around so many beauty products inspired me. So when I sat down to work on my latest project, a DIY book called InstaCraft: Fun and Simple Projects for Adorable Gifts, Decor, and More, I pulled out bags of bobby pins and hair ties (from my days testing products for the Best of Beauty Awards, of course) and experimented with crafts that repurposed my favorite makeup-bag staples. The book features lots of simple projects, from decor fixes and jewelry tutorials to fashion projects, and some of my favorites involve nail polish. Here are three quick DIY projects to ID your gym locker, personalize an inspiration board, and make over a necklace—all you need is a little bit of Essie.

Color-Me Thumbtacks (above). I love Pinterest as much as the next crafter, but I'll never give up my old-school inspiration board. I wanted my thumbtacks to keep up with my favorite magazine tears. These are as easy as they look: Just hold the pin end of the thumbtack in between your fingers and paint the top with nail polish. You can layer glitter over some for a different finish, or add polka dots or create stripes freehand.

Faux French Lockets. I love the look of enameled lockets—I've coveted one in every color—so I decided to make them myself. You can find inexpensive lockets at flea markets and craft supply stores. All you do is apply a layer of nail polish to the face of the locket—my favorite is Essie No More Film, a deep violet—and let dry.

Color-Block Lock. Since I always forget which locker is mine at the gym, I came up with this quick, personalized solution. All you do is apply nail polish in thick stripes to the arm of a combination lock—best to do this in the open position—and let dry.